This is a prospective observational study aiming to establish reference values of neurofilaments in late preterm newborns (34-37 weeks of gestation) and to evaluate their early postnatal evolution.
Neurofilaments are neuronal proteins released into the blood when nerve cells are damaged. They have emerged as promising biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), where higher levels are associated with disease activity. However, very limited data exist on the normal dynamics of neurofilament levels in preterm infants.
In this study, up to 15 preterm newborns hospitalized in the neonatal unit will be enrolled (5 at 34 weeks, 5 at 35 weeks, 5 at 36 weeks of gestation). A maximum of 1 mL of additional blood will be collected only during routine clinically indicated blood draws, at birth, on day 2, and weekly until 37 weeks of gestation. Samples will be analyzed for neurofilament concentrations and compared across gestational ages, over time, and with existing data from term newborns and SMA patients.
The expected outcome is to generate normative data on neurofilament levels in late preterm infants, which will help interpret biomarker values in future studies and optimize early diagnosis and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as SMA.
Gestational age between 34 and 37 weeks of amenorrhea.
Blood test scheduled for clinical reasons.
Signed parental consent.
Known neurological disorders.
Severe congenital malformations.
Medical contraindication to blood sampling.
Late preterm infants (34-37 weeks of gestation) admitted to the neonatal unit
Cohort
Prospective
Blood sampling for neurofilament analysis
Other interventionAn additional blood sample (maximum 1 mL) is collected during routine clinically indicated blood draws in late preterm infants (34-37 weeks of gestation). Samples are obtained at birth, day 2, and weekly until 37 weeks of gestation if blood draws are already planned. No separate venipuncture is performed. Samples are processed and stored for subsequent neurofilament concentration analysis.
Neurofilament concentration in blood of late preterm infants
Measurement of blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations to establish reference values and describe their early postnatal evolution in late preterm infants.
Postnatal evolution of neurofilament concentrations
Analysis of changes in neurofilament levels over time in late preterm infants, from birth to 37 weeks of gestational age.
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Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege
Lead sponsor
Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle
Collaborator
